Research Fellow

About SACRED

Based in Chicago, SACRED is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, independent organization working to overcome hate in the South Asian American community. SACRED unites progressive members of the South Asian American community to dismantle the enduring alliance between white supremacist and South Asian supremacist actors that advance authoritarianism and the myth of racial and caste superiority in the U.S.

Fellowship announcement

SACRED (South Asian American Coalition to Renew Democracy) is supporting its second Research Fellowship seeking two to three highly motivated individuals to support the Organization’s action research program.

SACRED uses original action research and an innovative public education pedagogy to educate the public about extremist White Supremacist groups’ alliance with South Asian American supremacist groups in the U.S. We organize multiracial, multifaith, anti-caste coalitions to advance the vision of democracy, equality, nonviolence, and collective liberation that has united civil rights leaders in the U.S. and South Asia since the first half of the 20th century.

SACRED’s researchers investigate and reveal the ways that South Asian supremacist groups are influencing American politics and infiltrating the progressive movement. SACRED Fellows work will advance public education efforts on this growing threat to American democracy.

About our Fellows

Successful fellowship candidates will demonstrate an intersectional understanding of and commitment to racial, gender, and caste justice as well as democracy, equality, and human rights. Candidates should have a background or research interest in journalism, action research for political organizing, academic research, law, policy, or public interest. SACRED will provide training on the specific tools and methods we use, but we are looking for researchers who are familiar with structured inquiry and documenting and validating findings. Moreover, successful fellows will have:

• The ability to work independently and on multiple streams of work simultaneously, including at times in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• A commitment to developing a collaborative work environment, constructive workplace culture, and team-centered approach.
• Mission and value alignment with SACRED’s work.
• The ability to engage constructively in discussions about organizational goals, performance, metrics, and deadlines.

Responsibilities will likely include:

• Undertaking original, multi-disciplinary, public interest research;
• Crafting and implementing a narrative change campaign (through social and traditional media);
• Assisting in organizing and coalition building with values-aligned community leaders and legislative champions.

Additional details about the Fellowship:

• Two to three individuals will be selected as Fellows.
• SACRED is looking for fellows who will take on a weekly commitment of 4-6 hours of work.
• SACRED is looking to bring on applicants based in Illinois who can meet regularly in person in Chicago (two to three times a month). SACRED may also consider applicants from states that neighbor Illinois as well as states in the Midwest region.
• Compensation: Fellows will receive a stipend expected to be between $4,000 and $5,000 (transferred at the midpoint and end of the Fellowship).
• Fellows will be asked to regularly provide updates on their work to the SACRED team and must be able to meet internal deadlines.
• Fellows will be asked to comply with SACRED’s digital security policies and practices.
• Although the fellowship is primarily associated with SACRED’s research work, fellows will have opportunities to connect with organizing partners.
• SACRED is a growing organization. While the Fellowship will run from February to December 2025, there may be opportunities to continue on at SACRED in another role at the conclusion of the Fellowship.

Apply now

Please submit a resume and cover letter to info@SacredDemocracy.org describing your interest in the position and fit with the qualifications and skills described above. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; candidates with backgrounds that prepare them well for the fellowship will be invited for a 45-minute interview with SACRED team members.

The application deadline is 5:00 PM on Monday, December 16, 2024.